MANILA, Philippines – The 2017 SEABA Championships winner will be one of the first teams to get a crack at basketball heavyweight Australia in the upcoming Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

The SEABA slot was drawn into Group B, along with newcomer Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, during a ceremony held in the wee hours of Monday, May 8 in Guangzhou, China.

The Philippines served as a place-holder for that slot – as explained by Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes in a tweet seen below – owing to the country being the highest ranked team in the region (27th in the world).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Place-holder lang tayo, dipa kasi tapos South &amp; East Asia qualifiers so They used the top ranked team in SEA. That slot goes to SEABA winner <a href="https://t.co/wwfWkDfUmB">https://t.co/wwfWkDfUmB</a></p>&mdash; Chot Reyes (@coachot) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachot/status/861411145684402176">May 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Should the Philippines win the SEABA tilt, which tips off here on Friday, May 12, Gilas Pilipinas will go on to compete in the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon come August, and in the Asian Qualifiers starting November.

This is the first year the new Asian Qualifiers format will be implemented, where there will be home and away games played throughout the year for two rounds until early 2019.

The first round will have 3 playing windows in November 2017, then in February and June 2018. After which the top 3 teams from each group (a total of 12) will move on to the second round.

Round two will be played in 3 windows in September and November 2018, and February 2019, where the top 3 teams of each group plus the best fourth placer (a total of 7 teams) will qualify for the World Cup in China.

Focus on SEABA

The Philippines is vying to qualify for the World Cup in 2019 and its first task will be to top the SEABA tournament next week.

Coach Chot Reyes said the entire team gathered with naturalized big man Andray Blatche and watched the livestream of the draw following team dinner with family members.

"It's not the best, but it's not bad," Reyes said of the group, which is seen as "favorable" for the 10th ranked Australia, which joins the Asian zone of FIBA along with New Zealand in a merger with FIBA Oceania.

"But right now we're not thinking about it because we have to win this first. I'm not putting too much attention to it. We can do that after May 18, if we win this SEABA."

Although expectations are high for Gilas to win, the team has no plans of falling into complacency against Southeast Asian neighbors eager to upset them. – Rappler.com

On a stirring final day in Season 79 Football, Ateneo defeated FEU to win the men's title and La Salle's women ended a 7-year title drough on Sunday, May 7. Here are my observations from the game day.

This is Jarvey Gayoso's moment. Two hours before kickoff Gayoso could be seen clambering over the fence that separates the Rizal Memorial pitch and the grandstand. He then squeezed through the tiny window of a comfort room and emerged through the main entrance minutes later. 

“I really had to go,” explained the striker with a sheepish smile. I guess that necessitated a move that any jewel thief or bank robber would be proud of. 

The Ateneo striker showed his larcenous instincts on the field hours later, purloining the only goal of the title match after an error from FEU.

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Gayoso is now on 23 goals in his first two seasons of UAAP ball. He has the size, the speed, and finishing to become the next Pinoy homegrown footballing star if he continues developing. In my opinion it is important that the Azkals feature another homegrown offensive weapon like Chieffy Caligdong in order to appeal even more to Filipino fans. 

Right now he is the best young player we have, including overseas-born Filipinos, and his form bodes well for the SEA Games. Gayoso intends to take a leave of absence in the first semester of the next school year just to focus on that. 

We all knew that he is a special player, but this title burnishes his reputation as a big-game performer. 

The 3-5-2 formation of Jaypee Merida worked. It was a risky move to go with a three-man backline instead of the usual 4. The spanner was well and truly thrown into the works very early in the season when veteran Carlo Liay, who was supposed to be deployed at center back, went down injured. 

But Merida stuck to his guns and remained with the unorthodox system, using Jay-ra Rocha as the most central of the center backs with William Grierson to his right and Joseph Poe to his left. It worked beautifully, as Ateneo allowed only 8 goals in the entire season, one in the playoffs. Grierson and Rocha, who look like they walked out of Ateneo's Team B hoops team and on to the pitch, maintained aerial superiority all throughout the season in front of goalie AJ Arcilla. Liay was eventually pushed upfield. He finished his career on Sunday as he started his, a champion. 

The key to a 3-5-2 is having wide players who can shuttle back and forth from defense to offense. Jordan Jarvis fit the bill perfectly as the wide man among the 5 mids as the team snaps from a 3-5-2 on offense to a 5-3-2 on defense. 

True, he did have some awfully nice toys to play with, but Merida deserves plenty of credit and is now a two-time champion coach.

The circumstances and weather made for a ragged final match. The championship game was not really a thing of beauty. The plan originally was to play the semifinals and the final one week apart. That would have given the players plenty of time to rest and also time for the media to drum up buzz for the game. But due to a variety of reasons, including live telecast availability, we went with this sched of having the semis on a Thursday and the final on a Sunday. That gave the players two days of rest, the minimum recommended by FIFA. 

The UAAP seems to like having its matches in the afternoon, I guess so students don't need to stay out late. They also like having a festive championship double header. Understandably they gave the hotter first kickoff at 3:00 pm to the men.

Then the referee of the men's match failed to give a cooling break in either half. The combination of that, the early kickoff, and the two days of rest meant that both teams were gassed late in the game. FEU needed an equalizer to force extra time but the urgency was not there. You just couldn't blame the kids either. 

I'm hoping that in future seasons teams get a few more days to rest for the final and perhaps the UAAP will allow later kickoffs. Even a one-hour delay to 4:00 pm would be a big boost to help up the standard of the play. Easier said than done, though with all the factors involved. 

Women's football is at its peak. The DLSU Lady Archers ended a 7-year title drought with a 3-1 finals victory over UST. The Lasallians finished the season with a perfect 9-0-0 record. 

The match was closer than the score makes it look. UST's trio of Mary Joy Indac, Charisa Lemoran and Hazel Lustan gave DLSU fits all game long. But strikes by Kyra Dimaandal and Sara Castañeda, plus a late penalty by goalie Inna Palacios won the day.

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Previous to this season the best Pinay Football team I had seen was the 2013 FEU squad featuring Barbie Ann Sobredo and Etang Ladero that throttled DLSU in the finals. This batch of players has surpassed that level. The skill from all the players was astonishing, and Castañeda's strike was the hardest-hit goal I have ever seen a female deliver in the Philippines.

The Pinay game is at its zenith, and DLSU sit on top of the pile with a collection of world-class players that could keep the title in Taft for a few years down the road. 

The Aging Rubio snafu was a non-issue in the end. Rubio, the UST women's coach, created a stir on social media last Thursday. She forced her goalie, Nicole Reyes, to stand away from the goal frame and beside the technical area for a full 12 minutes during their stepladder semifinal against Ateneo. It was punishment for making an error, apparently.

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The Ateneans struck twice during that period but UST won 5-4 anyway in one of the most bizarre matches in recent history. Apparently Rubio has done this on at least one occasion previously with a field player. 

There is no need to belabor the point of how wrong this is. Surely a 4-5-2 formation with your goalie as a stationary extra right wing is, to say the least, poor football tactics. 

Because of the social media maelstrom and all of the attendant negativity surrounding this, one wondered how the UST players would react. But they responded brilliantly. 

Before the game they were all smiles and very upbeat. They gave DLSU hell throughout the game, with Lustan serving up a sensational individual goal. After the final whistle they joyously linked arms and gave tribute to their band in the white bleacher section. UST chose to celebrate their silver medal instead of mourning the loss of gold. 

Apparently the bad vibes from Thursday had been sorted out by the team internally and they performed with distinction. And as it should be, football won that night. – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

MANILA, Philippines – Cadets like RR Pogoy and Jio Jalalon who are now part of Gilas Pilipinas will have extra motivation when they face Thailand in the 2017 SEABA Championships next week.

Pogoy, for one, is eager to take on the Thais once more a year since the cadet team he was part of was nearly upset twice in the biennial SEABA Stankovic Cup.

"Malakas 'yun e, muntik kami matalo nung last SEABA na naglaro kami (They're strong, we almost lost to them in the last SEABA we competed in)," Pogoy recalled in an interview with Rappler after the Philippine national men's basketball team's Monday morning, May 8 practice session in the Meralco Gym.

"Lamang lang yata namin mga 3 or 4 points (I think we were up only by 3 or 4 points)."

The Gilas cadets, then coached by TNT's Nash Racela, were twice in the jaws of an eager Thailand side – once near the end of eliminations, where the Philippines won by only a point, and in the final, where the Thais came to within 3 points in the fourth – before the Filipinos escaped.

Chitchai Ananti, who had a game-high 19 points in the final, will be back for the Thais and it will again be a highly anticipated matchup as Thailand is pegged as one of the teams that could potentially snare the Philippines.

Pogoy, a 24-year-old swingman, playfully hinted the matchup on Tuesday, May 16 may mean getting back at Thailand for Gilas' near-misses last year. But it will all still boil down to getting the job done regardless of the opponent.

"Basta ang importante, palagi sinasabi sa amin ni coach Chot (Reyes) na must-win itong SEABA kasi walang kwenta kung hindi kami mag-champion, wala na kami sa FIBA," he said.

(The important thing is what coach Chot always tells us that SEABA is a must-win because it wouldn't matter if we aren't champions, we won't play in FIBA.)

Teaching the vets

Though it is Pogoy's first time to play for the senior men's team, his experiences as a cadet and a rookie for TNT have come in handy.

"Wala masyadong adjustment kasi 'yung plays pareho lang sa TNT e, dribble drive lang," he shared. "Naga-adjust lang ako sa mga kasama ko kasi may mga beterano, may mga bata rin."

(There wasn't much adjustment because the plays are similar to that of TNT, the dribble drive. I had to adjust only with playing alongside veterans and rookies like me.)

Being familiar with the plays of coach Chot Reyes has also made Pogoy a point person for some of the veterans as they learn it, too.

"Kinakausap ko rin sila, sila June Mar (Fajardo), Japeth (Aguilar), para alam ko rin ano gagawin nila," he said, adding the veterans likewise advise him about helping each out other on the court.

"Minsan ako rin naga-advice rin kasi alam ko na 'yung play kasi kay coach Chot na play, 'yun din play namin sa TNT."

(I talk to guys like June Mar and Japeth so I know, too, what they will do. Sometimes I offer them advice because I know coach Chot's plays, the same plays with TNT.)

While the SEABA tournament is a high-stakes play for a Gilas squad that needs to win gold to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup and Asian Qualifiers, Pogoy is equally excited to wear the Pilipinas jersey before home fans.

"Excited tapos kinakabahan kasi first time ko maglaro e tapos dito pa sa Pilipinas. Siguro challenge na rin kung paano ko dalhin 'yun mula Friday." (I'm excited but nervous at the same time because it's my first time to play and it'll be here in the Philippines. Perhaps that will be a challenge for me how to carry myself starting Friday.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – All his life, Kai Sotto never felt belittled—literally.

During flag ceremonies, teachers would call out students in the narrow corridor outside the classroom and usually shout, “Form a straight line. Find your height.”

While everyone’s busy comparing and figuring out where they belong, Sotto had nothing to worry about as he'd walk towards the end of the line.
The backmost part was Sotto territory. No questions asked.

“When I was in grade school, I always was the tallest in the class. Oh yeah, the back row was always my thing,” said a cheerful Sotto in an interview with Rappler.

True enough, Sotto might’ve had his hands wide open when the "time rain" came in the form of height as the 14-year old already stands at 6-foot-11.

Last year, his recorded height was 6-foot-9 and according to a local report, and his father is projecting Kai will continue grow to 7-foot-5.

“My dad is 6-7 while my mom is also a 6-footer,” said Kai, who is the son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto.

Sotto is a towering giant. But what a lot of people don’t see is his dreams are far greater than his size.

Size matters

The sophomore Blue Eaglet Sotto started dribbling and shooting at the age of 4, and quickly learned how to maximize this advantage. Still, he concedes he still has room to improve.

 “As a player, I need to work on with everything. I have not yet perfected any skill that’s why I need to improve on all aspects,” said the incoming Grade 9 Sotto.

One of the things Sotto shared he needs to work on is his speed. Unlike other big men who refuse to hustle, Kai is not only focused on posting drills but also is fervently training to enhance his speed.

“My height affects my speed whenever I switch positions with the guards but that’s one of the things I’m working on right now,” said Sotto. “I need to be at the same level of speed with the guards.”

But Sotto knows having weaknesses is natural and keeps his eyes locked on the things he could do with what he has.

“Inside the game, I use my height as a presence for defense,” said Sotto. “Whenever I’m protecting the rim, some of my opponents get intimidated by their shot selections. That’s really a huge things for me.”

Block, rebound, and score—those are the 3 things Sotto keeps in mind every time he’s playing in the hard court. So far he's been able to produce for Ateneo.

Sotto shared that being the biggest man most of the time boosts his confidence. “When I see other players get intimidated or shy, I get a confidence boost. There are a lot of advantages being tall.”

When Sotto stepped foot in high school, some tried to recruit him like De La Salle University and Chiang Kai-Shek but the center chose to be a Blue Eaglet, “My dad and I talked about not only enrolling in a school with a good sports program but should be also competitive in academics. That’s why we chose Ateneo.”

The first UAAP season of Sotto proved he could do wonders for the Katipunan-based squad as he was named Rookie of the Year with averages of 4.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Last year, Sotto was a UAAP newbie. This time around, he will face new challenges not just as a player representing his school but as as national athlete with Batang Gilas.

A towering giant with ‘puso’

“I am so honored because to be able to play for the Philippines has always been my dream. I’ll treasure this,” said Sotto.

Sotto is positive about the competitiveness of the Under-16 Philippine team as he told Rappler they were already able to adjust to one another in-or-out the court.

“Before we were kind of preserved and awkward to one another but now we’ve already built a sense of team chemistry. We’re now really close to one another,” Sotto said.

Their first SEABA game against Singapore kicks off at noon on May 14, Sotto is convinced the team is ready to compete for the championship, “We really prepared for this so we could win the tournament. We can do it.”

And because Sotto will most likely stand out, he has already set his mind to the expectations of people around him.

“I’m just a chill player inside because when I let the pressures come in, that’s the time when I’ll commit mistakes,” the lanky Sotto said.

Sotto promised to train more and bulk up to win championships for both Ateneo and the country.

“You can expect from me to get better and better. I won’t settle for a mediocre performance. I want to be all-out in every game and play with unceasing heart (puso).” —Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Paras has made a decision.

The 19-year-old announced Tuesday, May 9, he will transfer to NCAA Division I school Cal State Northridge, according to multiple reports.

"I'd like to take my talents to Cal State Northridge just because I believe that Cal State Northridge is the best fit for me," said Paras in a Skype interview video posted by CNN Philippines' Paolo del Rosario.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/_kokoparas">@_kokoparas</a> commits to NCAA Div. 1 school Cal State Northridge after a season with Creighton | <a href="https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines">@cnnphilippines</a> <a href="https://t.co/9Lo1ixpUYr">pic.twitter.com/9Lo1ixpUYr</a></p>&mdash; Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) <a href="https://twitter.com/paodelrosario/status/861751069642076160">May 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">During our Skype interview <a href="https://twitter.com/_kokoparas">@_kokoparas</a> just announced he&#39;s decided to transfer to Cal State Northridge  <a href="https://t.co/bSYsX4Q5T3">pic.twitter.com/bSYsX4Q5T3</a></p>&mdash; TJ Manotoc (@tjmanotoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/tjmanotoc/status/861743525372633088">May 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Paras said he spoke with coach Reggie Theus many times over the phone and looked forward to learning from "such an educated guy in the game of basketball."

Paras spent only a season with the Creighton Bluejays, where he failed to crack the rotation. He announced his intention to transfer at the end of April.

Filipino hoops fans have been following Paras' career in the US in hopes of one day seeing him make it to the NBA.

A son of two-time PBA MVP Benjie, Paras transferred schools in the past, going from Cathedral High School to Middlebrooks Academy. He also initially committed to UCLA prior to Creighton. – Rappler.com

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian student Reza Parastesh looks so much like his sporting hero Lionel Messi that it almost landed him in jail for disrupting public order this week.

So many people came out to take selfies with Parastesh in the western city of Hamedan over the weekend that police rushed him into a station and impounded his car to stop the chaos and clear traffic. 

The resemblance is so uncanny that Eurosport UK reportedly used his photo by accident on Twitter recently when talking about the real Messi.

The furor began a few months ago when Parastesh's football-mad father pressured the 25-year-old into posing in a number 10 Barcelona jersey and sending the pictures to a sports website.

"I sent them one night and by the morning they had called me and said I should come in quickly for an interview," he told AFP.

Despite his early reluctance, Parastesh soon grew into his new role, cutting his hair like Messi and often donning the Barca jersey when he goes out.

It has paid off – he is fully booked with media interviews and has even landed modeling contracts.

"Now people really see me as the Iranian Messi and want me to mimic everything he does. When I show up somewhere, people are really shocked," he said.

Iranians are obsessed with football, and Parastesh finds himself constantly besieged by fans looking for a selfie.

"I'm really happy that seeing me makes them happy and this happiness gives me a lot of energy," he added.

Parastesh loves football but has never played professionally, though he is working on some tricks so he can better play the role.

He remembers very well the last game between Iran and Argentina during World Cup 2014, when Messi's 91st-minute goal robbed the Islamic republic of a place in the last 16.

Reza's dad was furious.

"After the game, my dad called me and said don't come back home tonight... why did you score a goal against Iran? I said: But that wasn't me!" Parastesh said, laughing.

His goal now is to meet his hero in Barcelona, and maybe even land a job as his understudy.

"Being the best player in footballing history, he definitely has more work than he can handle. I could be his representative when he is too busy," he said. – Ali Noorani, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MADRID, Spain – Eugenie Bouchard claimed she had the support of the tennis world after matching her fighting talk with some thrilling tennis to shock Maria Sharapova 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in the second round of the Madrid Open on Monday, May 8 (Tuesday in Manila).

Bouchard called Sharapova "a cheater" last week and was also critical of the Russian's welcome back to the sport after a 15-month doping ban with a series of wildcards for big events.

The world number 60 admitted she was extra motivated to face her former idol and it showed with signs of the form she has lost over the past few years since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2014 in a bruising near 3-hour contest.

"I was actually quite inspired before the match because I had a lot of players coming up to me privately wishing me good luck," said Bouchard.

"Players I don't normally speak to, getting a lot of texts from people in the tennis world that were just rooting for me.

"I wanted to do it for myself, but also all these people. I really felt support.

"It showed me that most people have my opinion, and they were just maybe scared to speak out."

Sharapova claimed to have not been distracted by media circus surrounding the match and that her disappointment comes from losing, not who she lost to.

"I think I would be worried about myself if I sat here and said I'm pretty happy with losing a tennis match, no matter who I face, no matter what round it is, whether it's the first round or final of a Grand Slam.

"I'm a big competitor. What you work for so many hours every single day is to be on the winning end of matches.

"Today was just not that day. Of course, I'm disappointed. That's what's going to make me a better player. That's what's going to win me more tournaments and more Grand Slams."

Topsy-turvy 

Bouchard battled back from 4-2 down to claim a topsy-turvy first set and she edged a marathon 11th game before serving it out for just her second set in 5 meetings with Sharapova.

However, adversity brought out the best in the 5-time Grand Slam champion as Sharapova found the precision to match her power in the second set, reeling off 4 straight game from 2-2 to level at one set all.

Both players struggled to hold serve in the deciding set as a total of 14 break points were squandered.

However, Bouchard held her nerve when serving for the match at 5-4 as she saw off two break points and an unfortunate let cord on her first match point.

The Canadian jumped for joy after delivering the final blow before the two exchanged a very frosty handshake at the net.

Bouchard will face top seed Angelique Kerber, who fought back from 5-3 down in the deciding set to overcome Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 earlier on Monday, in the third round.

Kerber has had an inconsistent season and her fragile form was on show in the course of the first two sets.

The German romped through the opening set in 27 minutes but then had to save 6 break points for her only game in the second.

Siniakova served for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set, but Kerber should impressive fight to win the last 4 games.

World number three Karolina Pliskova was dumped out 6-3, 6-3 by Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova.

In the men's Madrid Masters there were comfortable wins for Thomas Berdych, Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios.

However, 15th seed Gael Monfils bowed out in a wild match against French compatriot Gilles Simon 0-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7/0).

Andy Murray begins his quest for a third title in Madrid on Wednesday when he faces Romanian Marius Copil. – Kieran Canning, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Jerwin Ancajas will make the second defense of his IBF junior bantamweight title against mandatory challenger Teiru Kinoshita on the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn undercard July 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

The news was confirmed to Rappler by matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who represents Ancajas’ promoter MP Promotions.

Ancajas (26-1-1, 17 knockouts) of Panabo City, Philippines won the title with a unanimous decision win last September over McJoe Arroyo, and stopped Jose Alfredo Rodriguez after 7 rounds in January to retain the title. (READ: Fight has just begun for boxer Jerwin Ancajas)

Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KOs) of Osaka, Japan is 6 years older at 31 and likewise has lost just once, in 2014 against current WBO bantamweight titleholder Zolani Tete for the same title he’ll challenge for against Ancajas. The former Japanese junior bantamweight champion is rated number three by the IBF but has since fought exclusively in eight-rounders against lesser opposition than he fought prior to the Tete fight.

Text and Facebook messages to Ancajas’ trainer/manager Joven Jimenez seeking comment were not returned. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The main weapons: height and speed.

With only a few days, the Batang Gilas is already maximizing its time as it amps up for the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Under-16 tournament which begins on Sunday, May 14 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Batang Gilas head coach Michael Oliver admits a few more things need to be adjusted but is optimistic primarily because of the pool of players lined-up in this year’s SEABA tourney.

“We are lucky to have big guys on the team and that we have those kinds of heights in the U16,” said coach Oliver in an interview with Rappler.

The 6-foot-11 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-8 Geo Chiu are both considered as assets in the squad since coach Oliver will be running transition plays so these big men are expected to help through dominating the boards.

“It will be a good advantage for us because we have Kai and Geo. We need to be strong in terms of getting rebounds,” said coach Oliver.

Though the current Batang Gilas squad has the tallest players to compete in the SEABA tournament so far, coach Oliver is sure of parading what Filipino players are best at: speed.

“Definitely, we’ll be utilizing our guards in terms of speed because that’s been one of our advantages when competing in international tournaments ever since,” coach Oliver, who also spearheaded the 2015 and 2016 Batang Gilas, said.

The former FEU Tamaraw Oliver said the Batang Gilas program started in the third week of January but the lineup was only completed last April.

Skill set is not a problem for the Team Pilipinas U16 as the team is overflowing with talented players. Rather, the squad is having difficulties of pulling everything off as a “team.”

“The disadvantage we have right now is the camaraderie,” explained coach Oliver. “They are still getting to know each other inside and outside the court but we joined tournaments like the Fr. Martin Cup to make them feel they’re already a team.”

Since coach Oliver is confident about the individuality of his players, he said the starting lineup will eventually change from time to time depending on their opponent.

“I still don’t have a solid first 5 list and I think that will probably change because we want to give them all a chance. If it’s possible to give them all an opportunity as a starter, then we’ll do that,” shared coach Oliver.

When asked who is coach Oliver expecting to perform well in SEABA, he answered, “Kai (Sotto). We’re hoping him to dominate the shaded area.”

(READ: Kai Sotto towers above the competition for Batang Gilas)

Though a lot has improved in the past months, coach Oliver doesn’t want to be complacent and still thinks his team needs more work.

“We can’t really say we’re 100% ready but if we’ll range it, we’re at 90% already,” coach Oliver said. “Hopefully, all we practiced and prepared for will be put into actions every game.”

Coach Oliver also doesn’t want his boys to feel lax and always reminds them to give their best in every game.

“We are expecting every opponent in SEABA to be strong so we won’t be surprised or caught off guard. I always tell them (Batang Gila) to give their 100% during game time,” said coach Oliver.

As a veteran coach, Oliver is ecstatic to have seen the improvements of the basketball program for the youth in the Philippines.

“The country’s basketball program is progressing. Most organizers are starting in a very young age, there are even leagues for 10 years old kids. It’s really getting better and better and because of this, the Batang Gilas Program will benefit all the more,” shared coach Oliver.

The Batang Gilas mentor also encouraged Filipinos to watch the Batang Gilas as these kids also need to the most important reinforcements—supporters—in order to bag the championship.

“We need your (Filipinos) prayers that hopefully this will be a successful tournament, that we’ll win and there will be no injuries. We also hope they could come and watch so the kids will also be pumped up to give their best,” said coach Oliver. –Rappler.com 

Filipino prospects Romero Duno and Aston Palicte will return to the Philippines after wins in the United States for stay-busy fights on June 10 at Robinson’s Mall in General Santos City.

Duno (13-1, 12 knockouts) will face Jovany Rota (9-10, 6 KOs) in a 10-round scheduled lightweight bout in the main event. The 21-year-old slugger from Tagum City is coming off a star-making second round knockout win over previously unbeaten fighter Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez in March. Afterwards he signed a deal with Golden Boy Promotions to become his US promoter. 

Duno’s Philippine-based promoter Jim Claude Manangquil of Sanman Promotions says Duno will campaign in the United States afterwards.

Rota, 29, shouldn’t offer much resistance to Duno, having been knocked out in 9 of his losses, including 7 of his last 9 fights dating back to 2013.

Palicte (22-2, 18 KOs) of Bago City, Negros Occidental figures to have a tougher night in the co-featured slot when he faces John Mark Apolinario (18-8-3, 4 KOs) in a 10-round fight at a catchweight of 117 pounds. The 26-year-old Palicte of the Jason Soong stable is rated no. 11 by the WBC and IBF, and no. 6 by the WBO at 115 pound, and is promoted by Roy Jones Jr Promotions. Palicte is coming off a split decision win over unbeaten fighter Oscar Cantu in Las Vegas. 

Apolinario has proven to be durable, drawing twice with Roberto Vasquez in Panama for the interim WBA bantamweight title, and losing a decision in Japan to Koki Kameda in 2013 for the full championship afterwards. He’s also gone the distance with Drian Francisco and Hernan Marquez, and lost decisions last year in Australia to Luke Jackson and Jason Cooper. He's only been stopped twice in his 29-fight career.

Both Duno and Palicte benefited from training with former champion Rodel Mayol at the Wild Card Gym prior to their last fights.

The undercard will include the pro debut of Dave Apolinario, who is fresh off winning his second straight gold medal at Palarong Pambansa last month. The 17-year-old Apolinario, the younger brother of John Mark, will begin his career in a 4-round flyweight bout against an opponent to be decided.

Also in action will be 2009 SEA Games gold medalist Muhamad Farkhan (3-0, 3 knockouts) of Johore Bahru, Malaysia making his Philippine debut against Marlon Alta (12-7, 9 KOs), a former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, in a 6-round light heavyweight fight.

Both Dave Apolinario and Muhamad Farkhan will now be promoted by Sanman Promotions, Manangquil says.

The fight card, titled "Brawl at the Mall: The Homecoming" will be free admission to the public. – Rappler.com

As a basketball organization, the San Antonio Spurs are the epitome of excellence and class.

They have amassed 5 NBA Championships in the last 20 straight seasons that they appeared in the playoffs. As if that is not impressive enough, the Spurs have clinched at least 50 wins for each of those 20 seasons, the longest streak for one franchise in NBA history.

The special exemption for them is the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season, where they had a 37-13 record. However, that record holds a 74% winning percentage, which translates to 61 wins in a regular 82-game season. Heck, they still won 50 in the 66-game, 2011-2012 lockout season. They’re just that good.

But we all know the reasons why the Texan franchise has been at the top for so long. Gregg Popovich, David Robinson and Tim Duncan come immediately to mind. However, those are the no-brainer personnel – the people whom you just can’t lose with. It takes greater skills to complete a team than to start it out. The decisions teams make to round up the lower rungs of their payroll oftentimes determine which of them go on to succeed in the long run. 

Of course, we have to give due credit to the team scouts who tirelessly work to, at the very least, lessen the chances of failure when gambling with lesser-known prospects. Whether it stemmed from luck or pure dedication to the art and science of statistics, here are some of the diamonds that the Spurs scouts churned out from the coal pile.

Manu Ginobili – 57^th pick, 1999 draft

Three spots short of the last pick, the Spurs snagged an unknown Argentinian who would 19 years later make a game-winning block on an MVP candidate and send San Antonio closer to another championship opportunity.

Honestly, there is not much left to write about the 4-time NBA champion and the greatest sixth man of all time. Counted out time and time again due to his advanced age of 39 years, Ginobili continually proves that he can still hang with the best and that he has one last gasp of championship energy left in him. Whether he decides to retire after this season or not, he has solidified his status as a basketball legend in his own right. Not bad for a bottom-three pick, right, Isaiah Thomas?

Tony Parker – 28^th pick, 2001 draft

Given the success they kept on having, the Spurs are understandably absent in every draft lottery in the last two decades. However, they’re the Spurs and they are good at everything they do, so they drafted a scrawny 18-year old Frenchman to handle the heaviest load on offense.

Of course, in true Spurs fashion, the pick blossomed into an offensive juggernaut who was crucial to the Spurs’ last 4 NBA titles, as proven by the Finals MVP award he nabbed in 2007. 

Unfortunately for the Spurs, the 34-year old Parker has since suffered a quadriceps rupture, ending his playoff season and his NBA-record streak of 221 straight playoff game appearances. Despite this major setback, he can rest easy knowing he has a very capable substitute in his place. Speaking of whom…

Patty Mills – 55^th pick, 2009 draft (from the Portland Trailblazers)

After an injury-plagued first stint with the Blazers, the Australian combo guard inked a cheap deal with the Spurs in 2012 and, as always, blossomed into a reliable backup who is capable of being the x-factor when needed. In his first game as a starter in the 2017 playoffs, he dropped 20 points in a team-high 43 minutes and almost won the game in regulation. The Spurs wound up winning 110-107 in overtime anyway, so all is well.

If Parker is set to miss extended time, let this be a preview of the 55^th pick’s capabilities as a leader of the Spurs’ pass-happy offense. Safe to say that the transition will be as smooth as it can be.

Danny Green – 46^th pick, 2009 draft (from the Cleveland Cavaliers)

Banished from the kingdom of LeBron James in 2010, this young knight was picked up by the Spurs and honed his talents to the point where he was relied on as a starting shooting guard with deadly shooting and perimeter defense.

In a true tale of redemption, Green toppled the kingdom of James in the 2013 finals against Miami with a highly-efficient performance of 9.5 points, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game on 49% shooting and a ridiculous 47% from three-point land in 23 games as a playoff starter. One could call him the Kingslayer, but there can only be one.

Kawhi Leonard – 15^th pick, 2011 draft (from the Indiana Pacers)

The moment the Pacers selected Leonard with the absurdly low 15^th pick in the 2011 draft, the Spurs did what they do best – see talent where others can’t – and traded their young prospect George Hill to get the silent and seemingly harmless small forward.

Little did everyone know that 3 years later at just 22 years old, Leonard would silently slay the reign of Miami as NBA Champions and become the youngest Finals MVP since the Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

Just when most thought Leonard has established his niche as a defensive stalwart with decent offensive capabilities, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year would, still silently as ever, evolve into an emotionless offensive assassin who is currently averaging 27.8 points per game in the 2017 playoffs – nearly doubling his 14.3 points per game average during his 2013 Finals MVP stint.

Kawhi Leonard is just 25 years old. He has yet to hit his prime.

Honorable Mentions

Here is a short list of players whom the Spurs originally drafted and would go on to have successful careers with other teams.

1. Luis Scola – 55^th pick, 2002 draft (18.3 points, 8.2 rebounds per game in 2010 with Houston)

2. George Hill – 26^th pick, 2008 draft (16.9 points, 4.2 assists per game in 2016 with Utah)

3. Goran Dragic – 45^th pick, 2008 draft (20.3 points, 5.8 assists in 2016 with Miami)

Perhaps the Spurs should try their hand on finding actual gems buried in the earth next time, because they sure have the magic touch in finding gems here in basketball. It’s worth a shot. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes, both prominent stalwarts of UAAP rival teams Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles and De La Salle University Lady Spikers, will team up for the first time ever in the ‘Clash of Heroes,’ a fundraising volleyball event benefiting the country’s national squads for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games this August. 

The two collegiate standouts will banner the Pilipinas-Blue crew, taking on the other members of the national team pool in the benefit match which will happen on Monday, May 15 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Fresh from their celebration of back-to-back titles, newly crowned UAAP champions Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, and Dawn Macandili of La Salle will see action once again as they join Valdez and Reyes in the special event. 

Jovelyn Gonzaga of Cignal, Kat Tolentino of Ateneo, Elaine Kasilag of Pocari Sweat, Bia General of Generika-Ayala, Frances Molina and Ria Meneses of Petron, Lourdes Clemente of Sta. Lucia, and CJ Rosario of Foton complete the Pilipinas-Blue roster.

Meanwhile, former Far Eastern University star Rachel Anne Daquis will lead a veteran-laden Pilipinas-Red team together with Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petron and Aby Marano of F2 Logistics.

Also included in the lineup from the red side are Denden Lazaro of Cocolife, Kath Arado of Generika-Ayala, Myla Pablo of Pocari Sweat, Gretchel Soltones of BaliPure, Jaja Santiago of Foton, Gen Casugod of Generika-Ayala, Maika Ortiz of Foton, Maddie Madayag of Ateneo, Rhea Dimaculangan of Petron and Roselle Baliton of UE. 

The game also marks the reunion of former University of Santo Tomas High School teammates Valdez and Fajardo.

The ‘Clash of Heroes’ is organized by the PSC-POC Media Group in cooperation with the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc, and will serve as grounds for the final cut for both men’s and women’s national teams.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines may not have gotten the rights to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but they’ll get to host the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. 

FIBA announced that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SPB) will organize the fifth edition of the tour in a press release, calling the country “a pioneer in the development of 3x3.” The Philippines has hosted two stages of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in 2014 and 2015, the latter of which Terrence Romeo, Aldrech Ramos, KG Canaleta and Rey Guevarra of Manila West upset Doha 21-17 to win gold in that leg.

“We are very proud and honored to be hosting the FIBA 3x3 World Cup next year,” SPB Executive Director Sonny Barrios said. 

“Our two previous experiences hosting FIBA 3x3 events have been a success and 3x3 has become a centerpiece of our development program.” 

All games at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 will be played on the same court with 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams competing in a team event and in 3 individual contests (men’s dunk contest including professional dunkers, women’s skills contest and mixed shoot-out contest).

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the question is...<br>3x3, are you ready for Manila?  <a href="https://t.co/bp2u7vv018">https://t.co/bp2u7vv018</a></p>&mdash; Kobe | KoKo Wave (@_kokoparas) <a href="https://twitter.com/_kokoparas/status/862342158451331072">May 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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“We are delighted to bring the FIBA 3x3 World Cup to the Philippines,” FIBA 3x3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez said.

“We are positive SPB and the passionate Filipino fans will make it an unbelievable experience for the best 3x3 players in the world and everyone watching on all platforms."

The selection of teams for the tournament is based on the FIBA 3x3 Federation Ranking at the cut-off date of November 1, 2017. 

“The ranking includes sport and development criteria, allowing both the strongest teams on the field as well as the most active countries to participate in the event, which fulfills a key aim of 3x3 - diversity. At least 30 different countries and territories will be represented at the event,” the release adds. 

Serbia’s men and Czech Republic’s women are the reigning FIBA 3x3 World Champions following their success at the 2016 World Cup in Guangzhou, China. The 2017 3x3 World Cup will take place in Nantes, France from June 17-21. Dates and venues for the 2018 3x3 World Cup have yet to be announced. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Despite being favorites to win the title, the Gilas Pilipinas squad refuse to take things for granted as they prepare for battle in the 2017 SEABA Championships starting this Friday, May 12. 

The Philippine team, which has won 7 of the past 11 tournament editions it has participated in, is fielding in a mix of youngsters and veterans from the PBA. While the country has previously locked in several blowout victories with collegiate standouts leading the way, the SEABA 12 won’t be relaxing anytime soon as they aim to stay undefeated in this year’s contest. 

Assistant coach Jong Uichico eyes at least 3 teams to potentially watch out for come the tourney itself. 

“This coming SEABA, ang malakas diyan is Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore - but not necessarily in that order,” said Uichico during the Gilas press conference on Wednesday, May 10. “We should still be prepared for all the teams that we’ll [go up] against.” 

Andray Blatche backs the statement, saying that the team will focus on the task at hand and not too much on the winning margins against neighboring countries. 

“The number one thing is winning, long as we all come out and do our jobs, that’s enough for me,” shared the naturalized player. “We gotta stay focused and we still gotta compete.”

Team manager Butch Antonio hopes the Gilas pool suiting up for action will all remain healthy for the duration of the regional meet.

“We cannot take things for granted, we have to take this tournament seriously,” noted Antonio. “Pray for our team, that we stay away from injuries and we are all healthy throughout the tournament.” 

The 2017 SEABA Championships will serve as the main qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup happening later this year, as well as the World Cup Qualifiers in 2019. 

With homecourt advantage on its side, the Gilas Pilipinas will open its SEABA campaign against Myanmar on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Tip-off is at 7 pm for all Gilas matches. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Apart from donning the national colors for the upcoming SEABA Championships on Friday, the Gilas Pilipinas will also be equipped with their own ‘agimat’ in the form of the newest Nike LeBron 14 kicks.

The national squad received a special package from Nike ahead of the regional tourney, and is expected to debut the Nike LeBron 14 Agimat, which is inspired the by 4-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James’ visit to the Philippines. 

Agimat, known internationally as the amulet, was used back in the day by the Filipino ancestors as a powerful object that brings good fortune and serves as a lucky charm. Amulet, which is derived from the latin word “amuletum,” is defined as an object that prevents a person from encountering trouble or harm. 

Thus, the Nike LeBron 14 Agimat is touted as a charm that offers good fortune and protection for on and off court battles, and is a testament to the fearless passion of Filipino ballers.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coz we don&#39;t back down from challenges - Just in from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamNike?src=hash">#TeamNike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NikeBasketball?src=hash">#NikeBasketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agimat?src=hash">#Agimat</a> <a href="https://t.co/cdf583UXYB">pic.twitter.com/cdf583UXYB</a></p>&mdash; Chot Reyes (@coachot) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachot/status/862306086321246208">May 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Dressed in dark blue upper with embellished gold accents, the Agimat pays homage to the reigning NBA champ’s decorated career as well as a few symbolisms from the Philippine culture.

The shoes’ graphics were inspired by the country’s traditional woven fabrics, with ‘MNL’ and ‘330’ features at the back representing both the Philippine capital and James’ hometown of Akron in Ohio. 

Printed at the heel are the words ‘Para sa Kadakilaan,” which translates to ‘for nobility.’ 

The NBA superstar previously rocked the Agimat sneakers in Game 3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ second round playoffs match-up against the Toronto Raptors. 

The Gilas warriors will need all the power and protection in the coming days as they aim to defend the SEABA crown for a chance to advance to the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon this August, and the World Cup Qualifiers in 2019. – Rappler.com

The title defense begins for Gilas Pilipinas as they face Myanmar in their opening match of 2017 SEABA Championships at 7pm on Friday, May 12.

Gilas vs Myanmar will be the culmination of an opening day of games which include Indonesia vs Singapore and Malaysia vs Thailand. The Philippines has won 7 of the last 11 gold medals in SEABA tournaments they entered, but the scrutiny has increased as the stakes are raised and other countries close the gap in talent.

Bookmark this page for Rappler's live updates of Day 1 of competition.

{source}<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="100%" data-height="1500" data-partner="tweetdeck" data-theme="light" data-link-color="#E95F28" href="http://go.rappler.com/https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/lists/seaba-2017">A Twitter List by rapplerdotcom</a> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Dorian Peña was reportedly been arrested in a drug entrapment operation on Wednesday, May 10, in Mandaluyong City. 

A GMA News report bared that Peña, 39, along with two other people underwent inquest proceedings on Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ). They were arrested for violating Section 7 (visiting a drug den) and Section 15 (use of dangerous drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165). 

The two other respondents, who were identified as Ledy Mea Vilchez and Jose Paulo Ampeso, were also charged with violating Sections 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, and 26 of the aforementioned law. 

The buy-bust operation took place in an alleged drug den in Merryland Village in Mandaluyong. The 3 were nabbed for possession of shabu and other drug paraphernalia. 

The National Bureau of Investigation said that all 3 tested positive for drug use, according to the report.

Peña played for various squads in the country's professional league, with his most notable stint being at San Miguel, where he won 4 championships. He last played for the GlobalPort Batang Pier, before getting waived at the start of the current PBA season. 

Rappler reached out to Sheryl Sanchez Reyes, Peña's last known agent, for comment, but she had not gotten back to us as of this story's publication. A call was also placed to the number on file for Peña, but the call was not answered. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) took a major step toward improving safety measures for professional boxers on Thursday, May 11, announcing a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) on day one of the 3-day GAB Convention in Davao City.

The partnership calls for boxers to receive free CT scans and MRI procedures, as well as free annual checkups at regional DOH facilities, according to a statement released by the GAB.

The GAB also said Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, who was a guest speaker at the convention, had proposed "to extend PhilHealth coverage to all boxers and their families by granting full government subsidy as part of the country's vulnerable population."

"The offer of Health Secretary Ubial was more than we asked for which was free CT scan or MRI procedures," GAB chairman Abraham "Baham" Mitra was quoted as saying. "The cost of those procedures is prohibitive for the boxers and dissuades them from undergoing the necessary tests to determine their fitness to fight."

Previously, boxers had difficulty applying for health coverage from private companies, Mitra told Rappler, due to the dangerous nature of their profession.

"It's really high risk, that's why the private sector is not inclined to give. Otherwise it's going to be really high, the premiums, and the boxers themselves won't be able to afford," Mitra, who was appointed chairman last year, said in a phone interview.

Prior to the partnership, boxers would have to pay around P2,500 for a CT scan in Metro Manila, and from P4,500 to P6,500 in provinces, the GAB estimates.

Jim Claude Manangquil, who runs Sanman Promotions out of General Santos City, calls the news "a big help to Philippine boxing."

At the moment, he said he pays P6,000 for each of his 22 boxers' yearly medical requirements, for a total of P132,000 out of pocket. For boxers who aren't in an established stable, the costs make starting a boxing career not even worth it.

"If a boxer fights and gets a license, he will pay P6,000 for license and medical and made just P5,000-P7,000. Plus his trainers and hotel and expenses, so he will end up with nothing," said Manangquil, who handles boxers Randy Petalcorin, Romero Duno, and Reymart Gaballo.

Benguet-based manager Brico Santig also lauded the new provisions, estimating the annual cost for his 30 boxers' license fees at P150,000.

"It's a big help for us, especially [if] you have a lot of boxers. The extra money can help [buy] some vitamins and for gym equipment and maintenance," said Santig, owner of the Highland Boxing Gym. "Now many boxers will be encouraged to join boxing due to this development."

Medical requirements for boxers had been the subject of much debate last March after Senator Manny Pacquiao, a world boxing champion, sponsored Senate Bill 1306 proposing a boxing commission independent of the GAB. Pacquiao also pointed out then that boxers should undergo the more expensive, but detailed MRI over the current requirement of a CT scan, and be provided with insurance.

When Mitra announced later that month at the Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions that he'd be imposing the requirement for an MRI "lest we be accused of reneging in our duties and functions," some within the boxing community had balked at the idea of additional expenses.

Now, the new development instead expands their coverage while eliminating their previous expenses.

"We were there at the [DOH office] about 2-3 weeks ago and we were discussing it with their staff. [Secretary Ubial] is into sports and she understands it," said Mitra.

He added that the memorandum of agreement was being drafted on Thursday night "for its implementation as soon as possible and for the mandates to be funded in the current and forthcoming national government budgets." (READ: Philippine boxing culture must change to bring excitement back)

The list of boxers to be covered was submitted last week along with the addresses "so the health department will know which regional hospital they will avail of services," Mitra also said.

An email to the DOH's communications team seeking comment was not returned Thursday night.

The Philippines currently has 1,051 licensed pro boxers, Mitra told this writer earlier this week. Mixed martial arts, which is also licensed by the GAB under its boxing and other contact sports division – plus has the same licensing requirements – was not included in the statement. "As of now it's boxing," said Mitra.

Mitra also appeared open-minded about the suggestion to include Hepatitis C and HIV tests as part of its licensing process, as is the standard in New York and Nevada. Currently, only a yearly test for Hepatitis B is required. 

"Will discuss with [Secretary Ubial] tonight," Mitra said in a text message. – Rappler.com

Ryan Songalia is the sports editor of Rappler, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a contributor to The Ring magazine. He can be reached at ryan.songalia@rappler.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanSongalia.

MANILA, Philippines – Indonesia's American naturalized player Jamarr Johnson sat out the team's opener against Singapore on Friday, May 12 in the 2017 SEABA Championships here.

The 28-year-old forward said he still needs clearance from USA Basketball, America's basketball governing body, and subsequently FIBA, the sport's world federation.

"We are waiting to USAB to clear me but I've never played for the US National Team. We're just waiting for the US to clear me," he said following the Indonesian's 71-50 rout of the Singaporeans.

"I was notified this morning, during practice. It was shocking. I felt kind of disappointed at first but they say everything takes time. Hopefully, it does not stagnate the process [of me] playing in the SEABA too much."

The same is true for Indonesia's second import Arki Wisnu.

The 6-foot-5 Johnson was not on the official team lineups distributed to the media Friday. He was supposed to be the lone import among the 6 other opponents of the heavily favored Gilas Pilipinas or team Philippines.

Johnson may still be re-inserted into the lineup once he is cleared.

"The federation has already showed the documentation but we are just waiting for the US to reply. Waiting for that tomorrow," he said. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Gilas and Indonesia are set to square off on the last day of the tournament on Thursday, May 18.

Though short-handed with only 10 men, Indonesia still breezed through Singapore, leading by 40-11 at halftime.

Johnson, a New Jersey native and a product of Widener University, went undrafted in the NBA in 2011. He has since played for the CLS Knights Surabaya in the Indonesian Basketball League as a naturalized citizen as he led them to the 2016 title while also being named Most Valuable Player. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – 107 points.

That's how much Gilas Pilipinas led and won against neighbors Myanmar in their 147-40 opening day victory in the 2017 SEABA men's championship on Friday, May 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Philippine national men's basketball team is a favorite underdog in almost every international competition – a side that utilizes speed and wit to compensate for lack of height against the giants of world basketball. Being the little guy is part of the team's charm to Filipinos at home and abroad.

But in this tournament, in this region, Gilas and even its younger cadet squads have been the dominant force for many years, and so it was unsurprising that they finished off their foes in the first quarter.

This meant the dynamics and expectations from the coaching staff were slightly different.

"The only thing that we were really concerned about were our hustle numbers, we weren't worried about our points, rebounds, assists," said head coach Chot Reyes.

"I told the players that a lot of times in international competition tayo ang dehado (we're the underdogs) it's very rare that we come into a game na tayo ang lyamado (that we have the upperhand), so would we play with the same kind of intensity and effort even if you are the favored team? That was the question we posed before the players before the game."

Gilas, flanked by naturalized center Andray Blatche, breached the 100-point lead with under 3 minutes remaining on an RR Pogoy basket.

All but 3 Filipinos finished in double figures with Calvin Abueva leading the way on 22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals.

Allein Maliksi added 20 markers while Pogoy came up with 17 points.

The Philipines shot 64% from the field and knocked down 11 triples. They also registered 25 steals and 12 blocks – indicators of the team's effort.

Only one player from Myanmar made it to double digits, Aung Wana, who tallied 12 points including two treys.

Myanmar gave up 38 turnovers and had only 8 assists for the entire ballgame.

The game was well in hand as early as early in the second quarter, when Gilas led by 50-9, that the home crowd ended up applauding every made Myanmar basket.

The Philippines, however, showed tendencies of playing to the level of its opponent in a number of sloppy plays and botched easy shots throughout the contest.

The host country is gunning for nothing less than the gold in order to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup in August and the Asian Qualifiers by November.

The team with the best record will win this tournament. 

Gilas next faces Singapore on Saturday at 7 pm.

Scores:

Philippines (147): Abueva 22, Maliksi 20, Pogoy 17, Fajardo 14, Jalalon 13, Rosario 13, Wright 12, Aguilar 11, Blatche 11, Almazan 6, Romeo 6, Castro 2.

Myanmar (40): Wana 12, Aung M 8, Zaya 6, Aung P 3, Tin 3, Kaung 2, Thant 2, Sei 2, Sai 2, Thein T 0, Thein H 0, Wai 0.

Quarter scores: 32-7, 66-12, 110-29, 147-40.

– Rappler.com